A new study by the Pew Research Center reveals that 63% of Black Americans feel that news coverage about Black people tends to be more negative than that of other racial and ethnic groups. The findings point to long-standing concerns about how mainstream media portrays Black communities—often focusing on crime, poverty, or dysfunction while underreporting stories of success, innovation, and resilience. Many respondents expressed frustration over the lack of nuance and context in the coverage, saying it reinforces harmful stereotypes and contributes to broader societal bias. The study also found that Black audiences are more likely to trust news outlets that prioritize diverse voices and community-centered reporting. These insights have reignited calls for newsrooms to diversify their staff, reexamine editorial decisions, and invest in content that uplifts and accurately reflects the Black experience in America.
